The longest total lunar eclipse
this century occurred on 2018 July 28 starting (umbral phase) just around 4:20
am
local time - magnitude of 1.609, providing 1hr43m of totality beginning at 5:30
am. As totality occurred
in the western
sky I wanted to have a view of the eclipse over the buildings of
Melbourne, so I chose Prince's Bridge as a suitable location. Observation
of the entire eclipse was not possible since the moon had just passed
totality when it set at 7:30 am.

When I arrived at 4am I had
the bridge to myself, but as the partial phases progressed, more and more
observers arrived until the area was abuzz with activity as totality began. I
enjoyed discussing the event with curious on-lookers and the atmosphere was quite festive
despite the early hour of the day. Most importantly the skies were largely free of
cloud.

04:31 AEST,
the moon has clearly started to move into the Earth's umbral shadow

05:15 AEST,
15 minutes before totality.

05:29 AEST,
moments before totality. Note the bluish colouration on lower limb due to light
reaching the moon through the Earth's ozone layer.

05:39 AEST,
totality has begun. The view down the Yarra River. Here's a
closer view.

06:21 AEST,
the moon is deeper into the umbra, but now lower in the sky. Mars is upper
left and several stars of Capricornus are also visible lower right of the
moon. A closer view.